FAQs

Potential complications

Many men worry about whether surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia of the prostate will affect their ability to enjoy sex. The majority of men have a normal sex life after a GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy. There are potential side effects that can occur following the procedure and it is important that you understand what may potentially happen following a GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy.

Urinary retention

Blood clots or swelling of the bladder neck can occasionally stop the flow of urine following catheter removal and a catheter may need to be replaced until the swelling resolves or the bleeding stops.

Infection

Infection can occur in the urine or prostate following a GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy and requires treatment with antibiotics. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are difficulty urinating, burning on urination, frequent urination or fevers. If this occurs, contact Dr Swindle immediately on 0409 103333, or if Dr Swindle is not available, go to your local doctor or nearest emergency department.

Scarring of the bladder neck or urethra

A stricture (scar) can develop in the urethra or the bladder neck (junction of the prostate and bladder). This can slow or block the flow of urine and may occur several months or years after the operation. If a stricture occurs it usually requires stretching or cutting to open up the narrowing and allow the urine to flow freely.

Sexual function

Some men may experience alteration in their sexual function following GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy. The following problems may occur:

Retrograde ejaculation

After GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy, the internal sphincter or bladder neck is cored out to open up the prostate. During sexual activity, the semen passes back through the wide open bladder neck into the bladder instead of passing out the penis at the time of orgasm and ejaculation. Later, the semen is harmlessly flushed out with urine and may make the urine a little cloudy. This will result in a dry ejaculation and renders most men infertile. It should however not be used as a contraceptive method. The quality sexual climax, or orgasm, at the time of ejaculation should not be altered.

Impotence

Some men report mild to moderate difficulty in getting an erection after a GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy. It is rare and occurs in approximately 10% of men and usually occurs in older men who are already starting to have trouble with their erections.

Incontinence

Incontinence, or leaking urine without control, may occur following a GreenLight Laser. It usually improves in a few weeks but rarely can be permanent. Permanent incontinence occurs in about 1 in 200 cases and in this event, treatment is available.

Injury to rectum

Very rarely, injury to the rectum can occur during the operation and to repair the injury open surgery may be required. This complication is extremely uncommon.

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Dr Peter Swindle is a Brisbane urologist who specialises solely in prostate cancer and diseases of the prostate. His expertise lies in robotic prostatectomy and prostate brachytherapy.

Dr Swindle has extensive radical prostatectomy experience of over 2,000 cases including robotic prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. He has established the Queensland Prostate Clinic in Brisbane, which functions to provide comprehensive information on the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.